Cowpaths: Are You On One?

In Boston and many other cities in the Northeast, the streets follow the original cowpaths from colonial days. Rather than re-plan a new grid, officials simply paved over the old ones.

The problem is, cows and cattle don't tend to follow a logical, efficient path to get anywhere; they just tend to wander around on the path of least resistance. Because the roads weren't built with cars in mind, traffic is a huge problem because modern vehicles are essentially forced to drive on 17th-century cowpaths. It makes no sense.

Just like this traffic scenario, careers and companies get stuck on cowpaths too. Is yours one of them?

Are you following a set "path" because it's really the best way to get to your destination, or is it just because that's the way everyone else has been going? You'll probably still get there, but is there a better way? Or is there even a real "best path" to begin with?

This isn't a popular viewpoint; our society demands rigid adherence to one track, one consistent set of beliefs, and woe betide you if you get impatient or rock the boat. I'm going to stereotype to make a point:

Contrary to the naive, feel-good talking points filling the air, there is not one America; there are two. One America listens to Rush Limbaugh, is skeptical of government, and is morbidly terrified of anything not explicitly taught by their church (whichever one it is). The other America listens to NPR, believes that the government is the only way to achieve social justice, and considers religion to be an amusing weekend activity reserved for uncultured buffoons. And lately, they haven't been acting so friendly.

Do either of those two bubbles, or cowpaths, sound appealing to you? They don't to me, at least not in their entirety.

My point is this: Know why you believe what you believe, and know it cold. Even if one of those paths describes you, why does it describe you? Why do you know it's the best way?

Are you on a crowded, slow-moving cowpath without question or struggle? Or are you the intrepid adventurer, leaving the safety of crowds to strike forth with confidence, boldness, and fortitude?

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits ?

Sorry, you need to login or sign up using one of the blue buttons below in order to vote. As a new user, you get 3 WSO Credits free, so you can reward or punish any content you deem worthy right away. See you on the other side!

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits ?

Sorry, you need to login or sign up using one of the blue buttons below in order to vote. As a new user, you get 3 WSO Credits free, so you can reward or punish any content you deem worthy right away. See you on the other side!

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits ?

Sorry, you need to login or sign up using one of the blue buttons below in order to vote. As a new user, you get 3 WSO Credits free, so you can reward or punish any content you deem worthy right away. See you on the other side!

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits ?

Sorry, you need to login or sign up using one of the blue buttons below in order to vote. As a new user, you get 3 WSO Credits free, so you can reward or punish any content you deem worthy right away. See you on the other side!

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits ?

Sorry, you need to login or sign up using one of the blue buttons below in order to vote. As a new user, you get 3 WSO Credits free, so you can reward or punish any content you deem worthy right away. See you on the other side!

To unlock this content for free, please login / register below.

Connecting helps us build a vibrant community. We'll never share your info without your permission.
Sign up with email or if you are already a member, login hereBonus: Also get 6 free financial modeling lessons for free ($200+ value) when you register!

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits ?

Sorry, you need to login or sign up using one of the blue buttons below in order to vote. As a new user, you get 3 WSO Credits free, so you can reward or punish any content you deem worthy right away. See you on the other side!

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits ?

Sorry, you need to login or sign up using one of the blue buttons below in order to vote. As a new user, you get 3 WSO Credits free, so you can reward or punish any content you deem worthy right away. See you on the other side!

2016 Full-time IB Recruiting Timeline MegathreadIt's that time of year again, folks. Time to polish those resumes, fire up the LinkedIn and WSO search functions, and bug the hell out of the career advisers at your schools. It's recruiting time!
We are all looking for information on timelines and deadlines for every bank...

Cost Estimators: The Bankers of the Construction IndustryRecently guys I have started a career in the construction industry as a project manager and cost estimator for a local company (boutique) and have seen the underlying similarities to the bankers of the financial world.
It's also a career most finance and business guys haven't heard...

The ‘Business Cycle’ frameworkThis post is a follow-up to <a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/stop-reading-the-news-thoughtlessly-and-develop-a-macro-framework">one of my earlier posts, ‘Stop reading the news thoughtlessly and develop a macro framework’</a> which had generated some interest...

Why I Enjoy Networking with CandidatesI thought I'd write a networking post from a different perspective. We often see advice on WSO from people who are undergrads or recent hires with advice on how to network into the industry (good fresh perspectives from people who have recently navigated "the system"). I wanted to...

2016 Summer Analyst IB Recruiting Timeline Megathread<em>Mod Note (Andy): Make sure to bookmark this page as this will be the cumulative thread for 2016 SA <span class='keyword_link'><a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary/what-is-investment-banking-division-IBD">IBD</a></span>...

CFA Results - 2015Today is the big day we've been waiting for/dreading since early June, when we peeled out of the testing center parking lots, burned our books, and went off to get drunk with our long lost friends.
Level I & II results will be released via email today after 9:00 A.M ET. Level III...

McKinsey Who?Stumbled across this Forbes article from 1999 (link at bottom of post). When reading the first few paragraphs, you could easily think it was written yesterday (aside from the salary #'s). Makes the dotcom bubble of yore feel eerily familiar....
[quote]" <strong>7/26/1999...

Forum Topics

Transitioning from Operations to Asset Management I'm a recent finance graduate from a Canadian University, and graduated this year (3.1/4.0 GPA). I'm currently working at a large investment management/custody bank in investment servicing for mutual...

From generalist to consumer retailHi, I wold like to move from a generalist M&A boutique into a firm focused on consumer and retail. Can you suggest me any publication , book, modeling course to gain the knowledge to get prepared...

Summer internships in AMHi I would like to know how the recruitment process is in AM for summer (I am interested in London) and what typical part of interns get a FT offer after the summer

Soho (NYC) SubletTo anyone in need of an apartment / roommate, I've got a furnished bedroom in my apartment available. Shoot me a PM if interested. The Craigslist post below has the details.http://newyork....

Why I Enjoy Networking with CandidatesI thought I'd write a networking post from a different perspective. We often see advice on WSO from people who are undergrads or recent hires with advice on how to network into the industry (good...

CFAIf working in commodities which is becoming streamlined and narrowed as a broker / trader, how valuable will the CFA be. Understand its v broad therefore it would provide an in depth financial...

Consulting vs Tech Industry careerLooking for impartial career advice for a 24 yo needing to make a big life decision in the next couple of months.
Background:
-UG: noname Eastern European Uni + 2 exchanges abroad
-1 yr FT internship...

West Michigan Undergrad SeniorHello Wall Street,
I am a little torn as to how to map out my final year as an undergrad at a non-target midwest state school. I will be beginning my senior year in exactly 29 days from this post. My...

RejectionMod Note (Andy): Make sure to check out the comment inside the post by @M- Weintraub
So, it's been a while since I've provided content to this wonderful website (sorry Patrick). But, I figure now...

Loan Offer At Cheap Rate.Do you need a loan? have you been looking for how to get access to a private lender? If yes, Here is the opportunity to get a cheap loan. We offer loan at low rate of 3% and we are contacted at...

IB vs quant equity?Guys, first post here (hi all). I'm turning to WSO because I'm at a cross road. I've spent ~3 years in IB but have since left for quant equity funds as a research analyst because of the crazy...